FOUR people arrested after a spree of robberies have been released without charge.

Stores in Braintree, Witham, Bocking, Black Notley and Great Notley were raided by a gang over a two-month period.

Bet Central in Challis Lane, Braintree, was targeted on November 11.

Suzy Wright, assistant manager, was in the shop on her own at about 8.20pm when three men entered.

She said: “Three men came in with scarves and balaclavas on. I was threatened and they were banging on the counter with crowbars.

“I just had to step back and say they could take the money.

“They got away with about £700 so it could have been worse, I’m just glad there were no customers. I have just been told to give them what they want, it’s not worth your life.”

She said the men were brandishing what looked like a hunting knife and crowbars.

She said: “It happened so fast, it’s such a small shop, so we didn’t expect it.

“Now we have improved security and have cameras 24/7.

“I know police do really try but in little areas like this you don’t see them about. They don’t really think about coming down here.”

Coral Racing in Newland Street, Witham, was targeted on December 12 while the Co-op in Church Street, Bocking, was hit on December 16 The post office in Bedalls Avenue, Black Notley, was also targeted on January 4, along with the Post Office in Great Yeldham High Street the fol- lowing day.

In the latest incident, four main raided the Co-op in Abels Road, Halstead, on Tuesday night at 8pm before forcing staff to open the safe.

The men, wielding a crowbar and a hammer and with faces covered by scarfs, made off with thousands of pounds.

A Post Office spokesman said: “The people who run our branches provide important services to communities. Any robbery or attempted robbery is traumatic for the victims and we will be supporting the police in their efforts to apprehend those responsible.”

Two men, aged 18 and 20, were arrested on January 6, while an 18-year- old man and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on January 7.

They were quizzed at Chelmsford police station and later released without charge.

Anyone with information should contact Essex Police on 101 or Crime- stoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.